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How can workers? comp benefit construction workers?

Every job comes with its share of risks and dangers, but few jobs have more inherent danger than those of construction workers. The very nature of construction work is to operate large machines and heavy tools in high places, putting workers in potentially dangerous circumstances. These dangers are arguably even more prevalent in places like New York, where it seems like every building is a skyscraper. It is for this reason that workers? compensation benefits are extremely important to construction workers.

Those who are new to the construction industry, or who have never been injured on the job may wonder just what kinds of injuries construction workers might suffer from. You are in luck, because this article lists many common construction injuries, as well as some of the legal options that construction workers have should such an injury befall them.

Nearly a quarter of injuries reported by construction workers in 2009 were from falls. Working in tall buildings without walls or safety rails puts construction workers at a naturally higher risk of falling and suffering serious injury. In that same vein, falling objects also account for many construction worker injuries. Being struck by a falling hammer, for example, can cause serious brain damage, even if a hard hat is being worn.

Construction workers may also suffer from diseases such as Pneumoconiosis, which caused at least 1,000 deaths in construction workers in the 90s. In some circumstances, you could file a personal injury lawsuit, but in nearly all circumstances you will be able to make a workers? compensation claim. It is important to consult with an attorney when making these claims because insurance companies may try to offer you less than you deserve.

Success Stories

A 43 year old ironworker who fell four stories and sustained injuries to his ankle while installing a staircase settled his
claim for $1,500,000.00. The accident was due to the failure of the building owner and general contractor to provide a safe place to work.

A construction worker operating an asphalt roller settled his
case for $525,000.00 when the edge of the roadway he was paving collapsed into a trench being dug by a subcontractor causing him to sustain injuries to his leg.

A 54 year old commuter settled his
case against the NYCTA for $1,200,000.00. when he tripped and fell on a subway platform due to the pavement being in disrepair, causing him to fall forward and to strike his head on a train pulling into the station.

The estate of a 64 year old woman
received a settlement of $425,000.00 after she was struck and killed by a speeding tractor trailer while crossing the street at the intersection of Richmond Terrace and Port Richmond Avenue.

A $1,200,000.00 settlement was reached on behalf of a 54 year old man from Staten Island, New York, who, while in the course of his employment as a bus driver, was rear-ended on the Garden State Parkway and caused to suffer injuries to his back and neck as well as a fractured rib and fractured pelvis.

A 47-year-old building superintendent who sustained injuries to his head and right side of his body due to a tripping hazard at his job site
received a settlement of $300,000.00 from the electrical company performing work at the site.

A 43 year old construction worker was caused to sustain injuries to his back, shoulder and hand when the elevator he was riding malfunctioned and dropped 8 floors. He
received $350,000.00 in the settlement of his claim against the building owner, maintenance company and elevator company.

The administrator of the estate of a 69 year old man who suffered stage four pressure sores while a patient at a Queens nursing home
settled the case for $400,000.00 after the man died.